Concrete building apparatus.



C. STIELER.

CONCRETE BUILDING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION man NOV. 9. I916.

Patented June 5, 1917.

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WITNESSES:

nus cm. PHOTIJ-LITHQ, WASHING C. STIELER.

CONCRETE BUILDING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 9,1916. 1,229,163.- Patented June 5,1917.

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WITNESSES:

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C. STIELER.

CONCRETE BUILDING APPARATUS.

APPLICATKON FILED NOV. 9. 1916.

1,229, 1 63. Patented. June 5, 1917.

a SHEETS-SHEET s.

WITNESSES: INVEN TOR.

ATTORNEY.

CARL S'IIELER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

concnn'rn BUILDING APPARATUS.

Application filed November 9, 1916.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, CARL STIELER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Ghicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and use ful Improvements in Concrete BuildingApparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to concrete building apparatus and has for itsprimary object the provision of improved means whereby such structuresas chimneys, tanks, and the like, may be molded from concrete. Moreparticularly, my invention contemplates the construction of taperingchimneys and tanks. 0

A further object of my invention is to provide means whereby theframework of my invention may be supplied with a plumbing device bymeans of which an accurate center may at all times be maintained;following each successive elevation of the apparatus during constructionof the chimney, for instance.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for accuratelycentering the inner and outer shells of the mold about said plumbingdevice.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a frame and meansfor accurately curving both the inner and outer shells of the mold,while maintaining both shells concentric with the plumbing device.

A further object of my invention is the provision of means whereby themold may be supported from the interior of the finished portion of thework and adjustably mounted thereon, so that a proper alinement of themold with the finished work may at all times be maintained in order thata uniform taper in the chimney or other structure may result.

A further object of my invention is to provide apparatus of thecharacter described, in the use of which concrete may be elevatedthrough the center of the structure being built, and all buildingoperations carried on without the necessity of outside scaffolding orladders supported from the ground.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a collapsibleframe, platforms carried thereby for convenience in finishing theexterior of the structure being built, and network for safeguardingworkmen Specification of Letters Patent.

Serial No. 130,312.

from falls and for preventing material from dropping upon those workingbeneath the apparatus.

. l/Vith the above and other objects in view, this invention consistssubstantially in the combination, arrangement and construction of partsall as hereinafter described, shown in the accompanying drawings whichform a part of this specification, and illustrate the preferredembodiment of my invention, and more particularly set forth in thesubjoined claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a plan view of my invention, together with a plan view of aninterior scaffolding normally employed therewith.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1,with the scaffolding removed for clearness.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of my invention, illustrating in connectiontherewith the above mentioned scaffolding and a block and tackle device,for raising the apparatus after each pouring of concrete, hassolidified; this figure also shows portions of the chimney in course ofconstruction, part of the chimney being broken away and part sectioned.

Fig. A is a horizontal section approximately on the line 4E4L of F ig.3, showing in dotted lines an adjusted position of the upper platform;the lower platform and net being omitted for the sake of clearness.

Fig. 5 is a section taken approximately on line e tet of Fig. 3, withboth platforms omitted and illustrating in cross section the chimneybeing built, while exhibiting in plan view the net construction.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of the collapsible platform showing aportion of the net employed, and, in section, the upper and lowerplatform boards.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view of two adjacent platform boards,illustrating the manner of connection between them.

Fig. 8 is a section approximately on line 99 of Fig. 8 illustrating theform of connection between the collapsible platform frame and the outershell of the mold.

Fig. 9 is a horizontal section taken approximately on line 1010 of Fig.2.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary View of Fig. 9, omitting the chimneybody and illustrating in detail the form of connection between segmentsof the inner and outer shells.

Patented June 5, 1917.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation of one of the supporting arms employed in myinvention, together with a pair of clamps threaded thereon.

Fig. 12 illustrates in front elevation one of the clamps shown in sideelevation in Fig. 11. a

Fig. 13 is a detailed view of one of the inserts employed to support thelegs of my apparatus from the interior of the structure being built.

Referring to Fig. 2, it will be noted that a plurality of inserts suchas shown in Fig. 13, were inserted inthe upper portion of the lowercompleted section of concrete, these inserts bearing numeral 20; in

threaded engagement with each of these inserts is a bolt 21 whichengages an eye formed at the lower end of each of a plurality ofsupporting legs 22. Preferably these legs comprise the rods 22 havingthreaded adjacent ends and oined by means of a turn buckle 23. The upperends of the;

legs 22 are preferably formed with eyes or similar apertures, and aresecured by means of bolts or rivets to an annular angle iron 24 whichforms the uppermember of the i 'amework of my invention. Preferably thisangle iron has one of its webs disposed horizontally, as indicated inFig. 2, and the other web depending from the inner edge of thehorizontal web. By this means: a very rigid annulus is provided uponwhich the inner and outer shells of the mold are supported in a mannerto be hereinafter described.

The remaining portion of the main framework of my invention consists ofa lower annulus comprising a circular angular iron 25 similar inconstruction to the annulus 2-1 and secured to the annulus as by meansof uprights 26. The annuli 2 l and 25 are spaced one above the other adistance approximately that of the height of the inner and outer shellsof the mold. It will thus be seen that the framework of my inventionapproximates a vertical cylinder. 1

Across this cylinder, preferably at its upper end, I provide what havetermed a plumbing device, consisting of a slotted cross bar 27, providedat its center with a device 28 from which depends a plumb line 29 (seeFig. 3) carrying a plumb bob 3 by means of which the device 28 may beaccurately centered at all times above the center point 31 of the baseof the chimney.

By reference to Figs. 1 and 2 it will be seen that the slotted'crossbar. 27 is secured to the upper annulus 24 by means of short brackets 32and'bolts 33. Byloosening the bolts the cross bar 27 may be adjusted inany direction so as to bring the de ice 28 into: plumb with the point31, following which the bolts may be tightened: This.

action permits the centering of the device 28 regardless of anyeccentricity between the annulus 2 and the axis of the chimney.

As best illustrated in Fig. 1, my invention comprises a mold made up ofan inner wall 3% and an outer wall 35, these walls being spaced apart adistance equal to the desired thickness of the chimney or tank wall. thegrout or other mixture is poured. The walls 3iand 35 are supported attheir upper edges upon the upper annulus 24 of the main framework. Thesupporting means comprise arms 36 (see Figs. 1 and 11) carrying clamps37 (see Fig. 12). The inner end of each arm is preferably flatandprovided with a plurality of perforations for engagement by bolts (38)which pass also through perforations in the horizontal web of the upperannulus 2 l. The plurality of perforations in the inner end.

It is between these two walls that of each arm 36 admits of the lateraladjustment of the inner and outer walls with respect to the annulus,while the bolts 38 secure the arms 36 to the annulus 24 from which theyradiate substantially horizontally. The remaining portion of each arm 37is threaded preferably throughout and carries the clamps 37 by means ofwhich the distance separating the inner and outer walls is gaged, and bymeans of which, also, the inner and outer walls are accurately centeredabout the plumbing device 28.

It will be noted that the inner and outer walls 34: and 35, are, as bestillustrated in Fig. 9, constructed of segmental pieces preferably manyin number, in order that for each elevation of the mold one or morepieces may be withdrawn from the walls in order to secure the taperingnecessary in a chimney or similar structure. The walls or shells 34--35,will, of course, have a difference of curvature following eachwithdrawal of one or more segmental pieces, inasmuch as the diameter ofthe mold will after each such withdrawal be shortened. In .order toaccurately curve each wall throughout its circumference so that, whileconcentic with the device 28, the mold shall not present an oval orelliptical shape, I provide for each arm 36 a pair ofadjustable links 39carried on a traveling nut 40, and a pair of adjustable links 41. Bymeans of the links 39, which exert either a pull or a push, accuratecurvature of the outer wall 35 is procured. It will be noted that theouter ends of the links 39 are joined to the traveling nut 40 by meansof a pivotal connection, while their inner ends are hooked and engageeyes 42 formed in projections 4-3 which are carr'ied about theupper-edge of the wall 35. In a similar manner the inner wall 34 isaccurately curved about the center 28 by the links ell, which may exerta pull or a push as required, and which are bent into hooks at each end,the inner ends engaging apertures provided in the flat portion of eacharm 36 and the outer ends engaging apertures 4% let into cars 15 whichare formed upon the upper edge of the wall It will be understood thatthere are a plurality of arms 36 each of which is provided with thedevices just above described, and that these arms are suitably spacedabout the circumferences of the mold and frame.

l ieferring again to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the lower edge of thewall 3% is prevented from collapsing, under the weight of the concretepoured into the mold, by means of adjustable braces 46 which abut, attheir outer ends, against the inner circumferencc of wall and at theirinner ends are bent into hooks i7 which engage apertures formed for thepurpose in the horizontal web of the lower annulus 25.

As best illustrated in Fig. 10, the sections of the outer shell 35 arejoined by means of a 'l' iron 43, while a. similar T iron l9 serves tojoin the sections of the inner wall 34. In order to provide meanswhereby the outer surface of the last completed section of the chimneymay be smoothed and treated by the workmen, a collapsible scaffolding isprovided which hangs from the lower ends of the T members 48. Theconnection between the scaffolding and the members -18 is best seen inFigs. 4-, 6 and 8, where it will be seen that the projecting web of theT is embraced by the upper bifurcated end 50 of a scaffold arm 51 whichhangs down from the lower end of the T a distance approximating thelength of the last finished section of concrete. The scaffold arm 51 atits lower end turns outwardly as at 52 and then upwardly as at F orfurther supporting the outer end of the scaffold arm a scaffold member 5is provided, which at its lower end engages the arm 51 where theportions 52 and 53 meet, in a pivotal connection, and is offset at itsouter end to provide a horizontal board supporting portion, and isfurther l'iifurcated as at 56 where it embraces the upper end 50 of arm51. The brace 5 1 is pivotally connected at its lower end as at 57, tothe lower portion of the arm 51; while at its upper end it is pivotallyconnected to the members 48 and 50 by means of the pivot bolt 58. Myinvention is provided with a plurality of these scafiold arms 5i andbraces 5%. It will be noted that as the chimney tapers the scafi'oldarms 51 will gradually approach each other at their lower ends. In otherwords, each arm 51 will at all times lie against the outer surface ofthe chimney regardless of the diminisher size of thechimney as the workprogresses. The upper horizontal end 55 of each brace 5-1: supports aseries of platform boards 59,

while the lower reach 52 of the scaffold arm 51 supports a similarseries of platform boards ('30. These platform boards are, of course,for the convenience of workmen in surfacing the outer face of thechimney, after th mold has been raised from the hardened concrete. Theends of these boards 5960 (see Fig. 7) are slotted, as seen in Fig. 8and engaged by bolts 61 by means of which they are retained in positionabout the chimney and are prevented from becoming separated and fromfalling.

Supported by the lower reaches 5253, of the arms 51 is a net, generallyindicated at A. This not consists of suitable cords passed throughapertures provided in the reaches The outer cord is provided betweeneach pair of reaches 53 with a stout spring 62, by means of which thenet is prevented from dropping at its outer edge and thereby losing whatobjects fall into it as the taper of the chimney diminishcs the diameterof the net and consequently the distance between the members W ere itnot for these springs 62 the diminished diameter of the chimney andscaffolding would cause the outer edges of the net to droop between eachpair of reaches 53.

Throughout the drawings, reference letter B indicates concrete insection, while C indicates generally the ordinary scaffolding structurebuilt within the chimney as the work progresses, and employed both forelevatin concrete and for lifting the apparatus of my invention from oneposition to the next.

In the operation of my invention, it will be assumed that one or moresections of the chimney to be constructed of concrete have already beenpoured and set. In the pouring of the uppermost of these sections theplurality of inserts 20 (see Fig. 13) are inserted, as shown best inFig. 2, in the upper portion of the section being poured. i l hen thissection has hardened, the apparatus of my invention is elevated intoposition for pouring the next superposed section by means of thescaffold C, following which the bolts 21 are passed through the eyes inthe lower ends of the legs 22 and secured into the inserts 20. Bymanipulation of the turn buckles 23 the upper annulus 2-l is brought toan accurate level, in order that the upper edges of tie shells 3%35 maybe leveled therefrom. Following this, the bolts 33 are loosened and theslotted cross bar 27 is adjusted until the plumb bob device 28 isaccurately centered above the point 31 (see F 3), following which bolts33 are tightened. In this manner is obtained a center at the top of myapparatus from which lateral adjustment of the shells is made, so thatthey are concentric wit-h the axis. lV'ith the device 28 centered, thisadjustment of the shells is obtained as follows: The bolts 38 areloosened and withdrawn from the upper frame ring 2% and the clamps 37are rotated about the arms until they are spaced apart on each arm adistance equal to the desired thickness of the chimney wall, followingwhich they are placed in engagement with the upper edges of the shellsThe arms are now adjusted laterally of the ring 24 until the shells 3l35 are accurately centered about the device 28, following which thebolts 38 are inserted and tightened. The apparatus may now be releasedfrom the scaffolding and tackle C. Inasmuch as the shells 3d35 areformed of thin metalgenerally in practice being about inch thick-itbecomes necessary to correct their curvature following the withdrawal ofone or more sections of the shells for the purpose of tapering-thechimney. The links 39 and ri are provided for this purpose, and bylengthening or shortening these links the curvature of the shells 3l35is corrected, inasmuch as the arms 36, to which every link is secured atone end,are all rigidly connected to the rigid framework of theapparatus; thus, for example, if we look at the lowermost arm 36 in Fig.1, it will be seen that, should the outer shell 35 be curved about tooshort a radius at this point, a shortening of the links 39' will flattenout the curve by forcingthe outer clamp 37 against the outer side of theshell, and will draw more distant portions of the shell outwardly. Byreference to Figs. 1, 2 and 9, it will be seen that, the lower edge ofthe inner shell 34L may be accurately centered about the axis of thechimney, and likewise prevented from collapsing under the-weight of theconcrete poured into the mold by means of the adjustable braces l6,which are anchored at their inner ends to the lower frame ring 25, andconnected at their outer ends with the inner surface of the inner shell.

By supporting my apparatus from the interior of the chimney, a greatsaving of labor and of loss of life is procured. It is to be noted thatthe connection between the supporting legs '22 and the framework of theapparatus is near the top of the apparatus, whereby the whole device ishung from a series of annularly spaced supports, thereby giving it amore stable character than would be the case if for instance the le s 22were connected at their upper ends to the lower portion of theapparatus. An important feature of my invention is the adjustability ofthe various parts by means of which the shells 3 l35 may be accuratelypositioned to maintain the proper taper and alinement of the chimney,even though the inserts 20 be not all in the same horizontal plane.Thus, regardless of the relative heights of the inserts 20, manipulationof the turn buckles 23 will enable the operator to accurately level theupper ring 2 L of the framework. If the inserts are not in the samehorizontal plane this will result in shifting the ring 24 into eccentricrelation with the axis of the chimney. But the adjustability of theapparatus obviates any difficulty from this eccentricity, because anaccurate center may be obtained through the cross bar 27 and the plumbbob, and with this as a center the adjustable arms and links permit of atruing up of the mold, both laterally and vertically, as well as aproper curving of the shells i-Xnother-important part of my invention isthe self-adjusting scaffolding depending from the outer shell. 35, andbest illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. Though the chimney is very wideat the bottom, the scaffold arms 51 will continually drop against thefinished sections of the chimney as the work progresses upward and thechimney tapers, thus preventing .any aperture between the scaffold andthe chimney; even should the pivotal connections at 5657 (see Fig. 6) bei.

quite stiff, the action of the springs (52 will insure a closerelation'between the net A and the chimney. The springs 62," likewiseprevent any such droop in the outer edges of the net as would permit aworkman or object dropped into the net to roll out and fall. Theplatform boards 59-60are readily adjusted into close contact with thechimney by loosening the bolts 61 and moving the boards inwardly. Thiscollapsing scaffolding is a prime necessity in the construction ofchimneys and tanks for the reason that the outer surface of the chimneymust be smoothed, as the work progresses, and the scaffold arms 51 andthe boards 60 provide a safe and con cept in so far as the same is madea part of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In concrete building apparatus, the combination witha frame, of innerand outer shells carried thereby, and legs one end of each of which isconnected to the top of the frame and the other detachably connected toan anchor element on the inside of a previously molded wall section.

2. In concrete building apparatus the combination with a frame, of innerand outer shells carried thereby, and legsspaced about said frame andsupporting it, said legs being anchored to the finished work and beingadju'stable to permit leveling of the frame.

3. In concrete building apparatus the combination with a frame, of innerand outer shells carried thereby and legs detachably connected at theirlower ends to the finished work, said frame being carried on the upperends of the legs and depending therefrom.

I. In concrete building apparatus the combination with a frame, of innerand outer shells depending from the upper portion of the frame, andlongitudinally adjustable legs detachably connected at their lower endsto anchor elements on the inside of the finished work, and supportingthe frame at its upper portion on their upper ends.

5. In concrete building apparatus the combination with a frame, of innerand outer shells depending from the upper poriiou of the frame, and legscom prising turnbuckles anchored at their lower ends to the finishedwork and su 'iportiug the frame at its upper portion on their upperends.

(3. In concrete building apparatus the cmubiuatiou with a frame, ofinner and outer shells around the frame and depending from the upperportion thereof, and. legs comprising turn-buckles disposed between theframe and the inner shell, anchored at their lower ends to the finishedwork, and supporting the frame at its upper portion on their upper ends.

7. In concrete building apparatus the combination with a frame, of innerand outer laterally adjustable shells carried thereby, andlongitudinally adjustable legs anchored to the finished work andsupporting said frame.

8. In concrete building apparatus the combination with a hollow frameopen from top to bottom, of inner and outer laterally adjustable shellscarried thereby, and longitudinally adjustable legs anchored to thefinished work and supporting said frame.

9. In concrete building apparatus the combination with a frame, of innerand outer shells carried by the frame and adjustable laterally thereof,a plumbing device carried by the frame and adjustable laterally thereof,and legs anchored to the finished work and upon which the frame issupported, said legs being adjustable to permit leveling of the frame.

10. In concrete building apparatus a frame open from top to bottomcomprising upper and lower annular angle irons, uprights connecting saidirons, and radially extending supporting arms carried by the upperannulus.

11. In concrete building apparatus, a frame open from top to bottomcomprising upper and lower annular members, the upper member comprisingan angle iron having one web substantially horizontal and the other webdepending from the inner edge of the horizontal web, uprights connectingsaid members, and radially extending supporting arms carried by theupper annulus.

12. In concrete building apparatus the combination with anchor elements,of a rigid frame, adjustable supports connecting the frame and anchoringelements whereby the frame may be leveled, a plumb bob device carried bythe frame, inner and outer mold shells, and devices adjustable withrespect to the frame and said shells, whereby the shells may be adjustedlaterally of the frame.

13. In concrete building apparatus the combination with anchor elements,of a rigid frame, adjustable supports connecting the frame and anchoringelements whereby the frame may be leveled, a plumb bob device carried bythe frame, inner and outer shells, devices adjustable with respect tothe frame and said shells, whereby the shells may be supported by andadjusted laterally of the frame, and adjustable links connecting remoteportions of said shells to said devices, whereby the curvature of theshells may be varied.

14. In concrete building apparatus, the combination with av frame ofsupporting elements whereby said frame may be leveled, a plumb bobdevice adjustably carried by the frame, inner and outer mold shells, andsupporting arms extending radially of the frame and upholding saidshells, said arms being adjustable with relation to the frame and withrelation to the S16llS, said shells being also adjustable with relationto each other upon said arms.

15. In concrete building apparatus, the combination with a frame ofsupporting ele ments whereby said frame may be leveled, a plumb bobdevice adjustably carried by the frame, inner and outer mold shells, andsupporting arms at the upper portion of the frame extending radiallythereof and joined to the upper portions of said shells, said arms beingadjustable radially of the frame and likewise radially of said shells,said shells being adjustable with relation to each other upon said arms,and adjustable braces anchored to the lower portion of said frame andengaging the lower portion of said inner shell.

16. In concrete building apparatus, the

ries of arms depending from said outer shell,

at their lower ends, extending radially out ward, and a net carried bysaid arms.

18. In concrete building apparatus, the combination with inner and outershells forming a mold, of a scaffold comprising arms pivotally suspendedfrom said outer shell and extending radially outward, platform boardssurrounding the object being built and supported upon said arms, and anot supported by said arms and surrounding said object.

19. In concrete building apparatus, the combination with inner and outershells forming a mold, of a scaffold comprising arms pivotally suspendedfrom said outer shell and extending radially outward, plat form boardssurrounding the objects being built and supported upon said arms, and anet supported by said arms and surrounding said object, said notincluding a coil spring in its outer edge between each pair of armswhereby said outer edge is tensed at all times.

20. The combination with an annular mold for concrete, and means forsupporting the same upon the structure being built, of a scafioldpivotally suspended from said mold at a point juxtaposed to the objectbeing built, surrounding the object, and movable by gravity against saidobject when the object is reduced in diameter.

21. The combination with an annular mold for concrete, and means forsupporting the same from the interior of the structure being built, ofscaffold arms suspended from the outer wall of said mold, dependingtherefrom and extending radially thereof at their lower ends, and a netcarried by said outward lower ends of the arms, and comprising a tensionspring between each pair of arms whereby said arms are forced inwardlyat all times against the structure being built.

22. The combination with an annular mold for concrete, and means forsupporting the same from the interior of the structure'being built, ofscaffold arms suspended from the outer wall of said mold, dependingtherefrom and extending radially thereof at their lower ends, and a netcarried by said outward lower ends of the arms, and comprising a tensionspring between each pair of arms whereby said arms are forced inwardlyat all times against the structure being built, and whereby the outeredge of said net is held taut at all times.

23. In concrete building apparatus, the combination of inner and outershells forming an annular mold, said outer shell comprising segmentalsections and substantially vertical T irons connecting said sections,scaffold arms pivotally connected to and depending from the lower endsof said T irons and extending outwardly of the axis of the mold at theirlower ends, and means carried by said arms for supporting objects uponthe exterior of the structure being built.

24. In concrete building apparatus, the combination of inner and outershells forming an annular mold, said outer shell comprising segmentalsections and substantially vertical T irons connecting said sections,scafiold arms pivotally connected to and depending from the lower endsof said I irons, and extending outwardly of the axis of the mold attheir lower ends, braces pivotally connected to the upper ends of thesaid arms and pivotally connected to their lower outward extensions,platforms carried by said arms and said braces, and a net carried bysaid arms.

25. In concrete building apparatus, the

combination of inner and outer shells forming an annular mold, saidouter shell comprising segmental sections and substantially vertical Tirons connecting said sections, scafiold arms pivotally connected to anddepending from the lower ends of said T irons, and extending outwardlyof the axis of the mold at their lower ends, braces pivotally connectedto the upper ends of the said arms and pivotally connected to theirlower outward extensions, platforms carried by said arms and saidbraces, and a net carried by said arms, comprising tension elementswhich maintain the outer edge of said net taut and force said armsconstantly against the structure being built.

26. In concrete building apparatus, the combination with a threadedsupporting a "m, of inner and outer flexible shells, clamps threadedupon said arm and connected to said shells for proper spacing of theshells, a pair of adjustable anti-clinal links carried on the outer endof said' arm and connected to the outer shell at opposite sides of thearm, and a pair of adjustable anti-clinal links carried upon the innerend of said arm and connected to said inner shell at opposite sides ofthe arm.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

CARL STIELER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner. of Patents Washington, D. G.

